by Heidi Skarie
“Zac and Onolyn will travel to Jelmur with me to join Jake and other Resistance members. Don’t feel you have to join the mission when we have such a good team.”
“Erling, I couldn’t do anything to save my own family, but now I have an opportunity to try to save yours. I feel I’m being given a second chance. Even with a good team, it’s a dangerous mission and I know I can help it succeed.” She held the baby to her shoulder and patted him on the back until he burped.
“There’s something else in the communication from Jake that you should know. Cadmus is in Jelmur. Samrat Condor put him in charge of the military division to stop the Resistance.”
Toemeka stopped breathing as she stared at him in horror. Finally, she said, “The Resistance is strong and difficult to locate in the mountains. That should keep Cadmus busy. There’s no reason to believe he’ll be paying attention to a few prisoners in a concentration camp.”
“He might be paying attention if he finds out the prisoners scheduled for execution are my family. Michio will take charge of the military while I’m gone. I didn’t tell him you were planning to join the mission. It’s up to you to tell him.”
“Have you told Koriann about the mission yet?” she countered.
“Yes, and she doesn’t like it, but she understands.”
“Michio will understand as well.”
Erling shook his head. “I doubt it.”
“Then I’ll make him understand. Your family loved and supported me when I most needed it. I wouldn’t have recovered from my family’s murders if it wasn’t for them.”
“If you’re sure you want to join the mission, get your things and meet me at the palace landing strip in half an hour.” Erling left the room.
Toemeka’s heart ached as she gazed at her sleeping baby. He was so sweet and defenseless. Now that the time had come to leave him, she found it more difficult than she’d expected. What if she were killed or captured? She might never see him again and he’d grow up without a mother. The pain of being separated from him last time was unbearable; now she’d be subjecting herself to that pain deliberately. Tears sprang to her eyes and an overwhelming sadness filled her.
Erling would understand if she changed her mind. In fact, she bet he really didn’t want her to come along. He knew how much she’d already been through and probably thought she should stay and take care of Baymond. And Michio would definitely be against her going. She might be physically recovered, but Michio knew she wasn’t emotionally recovered. He’d spent too many nights holding her when she’d woken up screaming from nightmares. He knew she felt anxious when she was away from him and the baby for more than a short time. Worse, Cadmus was on the planet she’d be heading to; she feared he still had some hold over her.
She thought of Erling’s parents and sisters, how much love they’d given her, and realized she had to help them, no matter how much it hurt to leave Baymond and Michio. No matter how afraid she was of Cadmus.
Toemeka kissed Baymond and set him in the crib, then went into the adjacent room to let Pema know she was leaving. Changing into a flight suit, she then took her already packed bag out of the bedroom closet.
She picked up her communicator, knowing she couldn’t put off telling Michio any longer. She texted a message, then hesitated, her finger hovering over the “send” button. Michio would talk her out of going. He’d come up with reasons that would make her doubt her decision. He wouldn’t fully comprehend her mental state after her family had been killed. She remembered Erling’s mother and father loved, cared and comforted her like one of their own, until gradually she became strong enough to go on living.
She set down the communicator. She’d write Michio a note instead. She knew it was cowardly and wrong, but she was already too emotional about leaving Baymond to try and make Michio understand why she had to go on this mission. Her note was brief and didn’t explain all the real reasons behind her decision. It was simply too hard to put into words how shattered she’d been to lose everything as a sheltered eighteen-year-old. In her mind’s eye flashed the memories: waking up to the smell of smoke in her grandmother’s house. Making her way to her grandmother’s smoke-filled bedroom to find her already dead from smoke inhalation. Climbing out a window and discovering the whole village on fire. Hearing shots. Seeing soldiers. Running home and reuniting with her family only to have soldiers capture them before they could escape. Seeing her brother Baymond stabbed when he tried to protect her. His cry of pain would always be in her mind. And her parents…
No, she couldn’t dwell on it now. She pushed the thoughts away, hurried downstairs and headed to the airfield where the ship waited.
***
That evening, after returning from the military space station, Michio went to the nursery expecting to find Toemeka. Pema told him Toemeka had gone out. It didn’t surprise him. She seemed driven to get back in shape after having the baby. He didn’t fully understand the reasons, because she already looked slim and beautiful. Perhaps she was just used to being in top form as a Coalition agent. Or maybe she needed to feel strong after being powerless when she was in Cadmus’ hands, drugged and trapped by negative energy.
Upon entering the bedroom, he spotted a folded piece of paper on the dresser with his name written on it. Apprehensively, he unfolded it and read:
Dear Michio,
I’ve left with Erling and a small team on a rescue mission to save his family from being executed. I can’t begin to explain all my reasons for going, but please try to understand. I must do everything I can to save my surrogate family.
I love you and Baymond dearly and wish I didn’t have to leave you both for even this brief period of time.
Instead of coming after me, I implore you to stay with Baymond. He needs a father and Jaipar’s military needs you in these dangerous times.
All my love,
Toemeka
Michio’s whole body was tense with worry by the time he finished the note. Why hadn’t she discussed this with him? Didn’t she know how worried he’d be when he discovered she left on a dangerous mission?
He crumpled the note and went searching for Koriann. A bodyguard said she’d gone outside; he found her standing on the rocky beach, staring out into the ocean. She turned toward him when she heard him approach. Her face was pale and her eyes were troubled.
“Michio.” She launched herself into his arms. “I can’t bear it if Erling doesn’t make it back. Our baby could be born without a father.”
Michio had been so caught up in his own distress that he hadn’t thought about how Koriann might be taking this. “When did they leave?”
She gazed up at him. “This morning. Lieutenant Jake Renheart sent a communication that Erling’s family is scheduled for execution.”
“Did you know Toemeka was going on the mission?”
She released him and took a step back, looking confused. “Toemeka went? I thought only Zachary and Onolyn accompanied Erling. I’m sorry, Michio. You must be terribly upset.”
“I can’t believe she’d leave again, without even discussing such an important decision.”
“Maybe she thought you’d understand.”
His lips tightened. “I don’t.”
“She’s an experienced Coalition field agent and she and Erling were partners for seven years. It’s not surprising she went.”
“She’s not a Coalition agent anymore.” Michio raked his hand through his hair. “She’s a new mother with an infant son.”
“She knows Baymond has us to take care of him. It’s an interplanetary war, Michio. Even young mothers go to war. You married a warrior, just as I did. They can’t stop being what they are just because they’re married now.”
“I’m not sure Erling is making the right decision either. He’s responsible for the defense of Jaipar. He’s not a soldier or Coalition agent anymore.”
“This is his family. I would’ve done anything to save my family.”
Michio looked at her compassionately. “I kn
ow you would’ve, Koriann.” Like Toemeka, she’d lost her whole family to war.
Michio remembered how terrible he’d felt when he’d learned General Bhandar killed the royal Marsindi family in their beds and took control of Jaipar. It wasn’t until later that he learned ten-year-old Koriann was alive, due to her nanny smuggling her out of the palace through a secret tunnel.
Heavy-hearted, Michio stared at the waves crashing into the rocks. He knew the moment he got Toemeka’s note that he had to go to Alandra to be sure she and Erling made it safely back home. “Can you show me the message Jake sent Erling?” he asked. “I want to know where they’re meeting the Resistance.”
“It’s in my office.” She started walking back to the palace.
“General Flint can take over responsibility for the military. I’m going to Alandra.”
“Good. They can use your expertise.”
***
The flight to Alandra wasn’t long since the planet was in the same solar system as Borko, but it was long enough to give Toemeka plenty of time to think. She wasn’t sure it was right to leave Baymond after being home such a short time. Worse, she regretted not telling Michio she was joining the mission. The rescue attempt was dangerous and if she and Michio were both killed, Baymond would be left an orphan.. Yet Michio had a right to know. She should’ve discussed it with him or said good-bye in person. She hadn’t liked it when Michio took off on the mission to attack Henotaux; now she was doing the same thing. Despite her misgivings, she just couldn’t wait at the palace while Erling’s family was in danger. What kind of person wouldn’t help those they loved?
Toemeka watched out the window as the ship approach the Bvundo Mountains, where Jake and his team were meeting them. They landed in a meadow and she, Erling, Zac and Onolyn left the ship. “Are you sure this is the right place?” she asked, looking around.
Just then Jake and two other guerilla soldiers emerged from the forest. Jake approached while his men began to cover their ship with branches. Toemeka embraced Jake, glad he was in charge of the mission. He was a confident field agent who would’ve formulated a good plan. His dark leather jacket looked well worn and he had a day’s growth of beard, giving his handsome face a rugged look. Seeing him again brought back a flood of memories. He’d been her first love, but he wasn’t good at commitment. Now she was glad their relationship hadn’t worked out, because soon after they’d broken up, she’d met Michio.
“It’s good to see you again, Jake,” she said.
“I didn’t know you were joining the mission,” he replied. “Welcome to the team. We can use your skills.”
Jake turned to Erling and they clasped hands, then hugged each other. They were as close as brothers. They’d grown up next door to each other and joined the Coalition at the same time.
“I’m glad you’re able to come,” Jake said. “We plan to rescue your family tonight.” Jake turned to Zac and Onolyn. “It’s good to see you both. The last time we were together was when we took over General Zanton’s headquarters spaceship.”
“That day was a big victory for my people,” Zac replied.
“Yes, it was,” Jake said. “I wish Alandra had been as successful fighting off the Raptor airfleet.” The two guerilla soldiers finished covering the ship and walked toward them. “This is Benray and Kynail, two of my best guys.” Jake gestured at Erling’s team and introduced them. “Treat them like family.”
“Nice to meet you,” Toemeka said. She wasn’t sure what to make of the two men. Benray was built like a bull and had a bushy beard. His leather clothes looked like they’d never been washed. Worse, he reeked as if he never bathed. Kynail wore a grim expression and looked like a walking arsenal with a rifle over one shoulder, two blasters, a wicked-looking knife and grenades on his gun belt. She was glad they were on her side. They’d make dangerous enemies.
“Let’s go to my tent and I’ll explain the rescue plan,” Jake said. “We’re leaving shortly for Tismus.”
Toemeka followed Jake and the others into the forest where several tents were set up. She was glad to stretch her legs after so many hours on the spacecraft. Inside the tent, she sat down on a sleeping bag next to Onolyn.
As soon as everyone was seated, Jake laid out the plan. “One person will pose as a friend of Erling’s family and ask to see them before they’re executed tomorrow. Condemned people are allowed to have visitors. Once our person is inside the concentration camp with Erling’s family, we’ll set off an explosion by the entrance. In the confusion that follows, the inside person will get Erling’s family out of the concentration camp and to a truck we’ll have waiting. The truck will bring them to a meeting place on the road near here. From there they’ll walk to your ship.”
Erling frowned pensively. “How many guards are at the gate?”
“Two,” Jake said. “The procedure is for one guard to stay at the gate and the other to take visitors inside. The camp isn’t heavily guarded. The people being held are older men, women and children.”
“I’ll be the one to enter the camp,” Erling said.
“That won’t work. They’ll be watching for you. I think it should be a woman who looks young and unsuspicious.”
“Onolyn could do it,” Erling said. Onolyn nodded in agreement.
“No, it should be Toemeka since your family knows and trusts her,” Jake replied. “More importantly, Toemeka has more field experience than Onolyn.”
“I’ll do it,” Toemeka said. Her chest tightened as the weight of her decision hit her..
“Good. Let’s head out.”
14
Prison Camp
The sun was setting when Toemeka walked up to the two guards stationed at the concentration camp gate. “I’d like to visit a family scheduled for execution tomorrow,” Toemeka said to the younger of the two guards, trying not to stare at his large, beak-shaped nose. She wore a faded green dress and her hair down so she’d look younger than she actually was.
“If you know any of the prisoners, it’s best that you pretend not to. Association with them could endanger you under the new government. You need to sign the records to get in and your background will be thoroughly searched. If you know anyone in the old government or military, you could end up in the concentration camp as well.”
“I’ve got nothing to hide.”
“Who do you want to see and why?” the older guard asked.
“The Fenian family. They were neighbors of mine.”
“Have you had any association with them recently?” the beak-nosed guard asked as he looked up the Fenians on a hand-held computer.
“No, not since before the war.”
He stopped scrolling when he found their names. “It says they’re all scheduled to be executed because they’re members of the Secret Teachings and the two daughters were in the Coalition. Are you sure you want to risk being associated with them?”
“Yes, I was good friends with the daughters in school.” Toemeka looked up at him with a pleading expression, deliberately filling her eyes with tears.
“Visits to condemned prisoners are allowed,” the older guard said. “But the new government could use the smallest thing against you.”
“I want to say good-bye to them. Where do I sign?”
Beak-nosed guard handed her an electronic screen. She signed Alana Rubin with her finger. Alana was one of the Fenian’s neighbors who died in the takeover. Jake had tapped into the military computer system and falsified the records to indicate that Alana was still alive. The guard ran the name through the computer and gave Toemeka clearance to enter. She tensed up as she walked through a metal detector, past the wire gate and into the concentration camp.
The guard led her by a crude wooden building. Desolate people gazed from the open doorways and windows. He stopped in front of the second building and told her to wait. At the doorway, he yelled, “Will the Fenian family come outside?”
Breezy came out first and when she spotted Toemeka she ran over and embraced her. Rea
l tears filled Toemeka’s eyes. Breezy looked emaciated under her dirty, tattered shirt and pants. “I told them I’m Alana.” Toemeka whispered into her ear. “And that we’re school friends,”
“You shouldn’t be here,” Breezy whispered back. “It’s too dangerous.”
“Where’s the rest of your family?”
Breezy looked toward the door where her sister Sharma and her parents had just emerged. “Alana has come to visit us,” Breezy said to her family.
Najetta had a yellow tinge to her face. All of them had lost weight and their clothing was dirty and worn. Richwood limped over. He had bruises on his face and Toemeka wondered if he’d been beaten or tortured for information. She hit a button on her watch communicator to let the team know she was with the Fenians.
Najetta hugged her. “I never thought I’d see you again.”
Sharma began to weep. “Have you been arrested, too?”
“No dear,” Toemeka said, embracing her. “I’m just here to visit you and your family.”
“You shouldn’t have risked coming,” Richwood said.
Toemeka saw fear in his eyes for her and his family. She wondered if she’d succeed in getting them all out of the camp and wished the guard wasn’t watching them so closely.
Suddenly a large explosion went off near the entrance, throwing them all to the ground. A second explosion followed and the air filled with smoke. Dazed, Toemeka sat up and looked around. The barely-conscious guard lay near her. She pulled his blaster from its holster and slammed the handle into the side of his temple. His eyes rolled back in his head.
“Get up, quickly,” Toemeka yelled to the Fenians. “Jake and Erling set off that explosion. We’re getting out of here. Head for the entrance.” She and Breezy helped Najetta up as Richwood pulled Sharma to her feet. Toemeka led the way across the camp with her blaster held ready. Sounds of blaster fire exploded near the entrance. She broke into a jog and the Fenians followed closely behind. Other prisoners streamed toward the entrance. A guard fired into the crowd. Toemeka fired back, hitting him in the chest. Her stomach twisted as he fell to the ground; she hated having to kill anyone.